Within several rivers' upper watersheds are mill ponds and other
impoundments. Most Eastern Shore mill ponds are relatively small. Many of these
ponds and lakes have been dammed for hundreds of years and have diverse fish
populations. Along their banks are cypress swamps, beds of spadderdock, ancient
stumps and scattered fallen trees.

Near Easton, Tuckahoe Lake drains
into Tuckahoe Creek, which flows into the Choptank River. Across the state line
in Delaware, Trap Pond and other mill ponds drain into the upper Nanticoke. Near
Salisbury, Johnson Lake, Leonard's Pond, and Tony Tank drain into the Wicomico
River. To the south, Powellville Pond feeds into a tributary of the Pocomoke. In
Somerset County, Eden Pond drains into the lower Wicomico.

In the lower sections, striped bass, white perch, channel catfish, and a
variety of saltwater species are common. Along the lower stretches of most
Eastern Shore rivers are historic towns. Once important ports for fishing and
commerce, each river town has developed its own unique culture.